February 13, 2013 5:25 am

Sen. Ed Murray, D-Seattle

Senate Minority Leader Ed Murray of Seattle delivered today on his promise to introduce an assault weapons ban in the state Senate.

Senate Bill 5737 would make it illegal in Washington to own a semi-automatic weapon that uses a detachable ammunition magazine. The legislation would also make it illegal to carry ammunition clips that contain more than 10 rounds.

The bill is co-sponsored by Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, another Seattle Democrat.

Earlier in the session, Murray indicated that passing an assault weapons ban was one of his top priorities this legislative session, saying, “I’m not willing to take it off the table.”

But his bill will run into roadblocks in the state Senate, which is led by a coalition of 23 Republicans and two moderate Democrats. Murray’s bill has a slim chance of getting a hearing in the Senate Law & Justice Committee, which is chaired by Sen. Mike Padden, a Republican from Spokane Valley who is backed by the National Rifle Association.

Murray introduced his assault weapons ban the day before the House Judiciary Committee is scheduled to hear several gun-related measures, including a bill to require universal background checks on all gun purchasers.

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